Obituaries: November 18, 2012

Henry James Bedell of Chicago, Illinois passed away on November 14, 2012. He was born in Zeba, Michigan on January 13, 1923 to Lydia Curtis and Francis Henry Bedell.

Henry spent his younger years growing up on Peck Street in Sault Ste. Marie. He was a member of the Keewenaw Bay Indian Community in L’Anse, Michigan. He was also a combat veteran serving in the U.S. Army during World War II and a longtime member of the Pipefitters Union in Chicago, Illinois.

Surviving are his children; Robin (Kelly) Bedell; Lydia Bedell and Holly Powless all of Brimley; Donald (Jeannette) Bedell of Island Lake, Illinois; Jean Bedell of South Dakota; Lester Bedell and Douglas Bedell of Atlanta, Georgia; Sparks Bedell of Battle Creek, Michigan and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Henry was preceded in death by his wife Bernice Alma Bedell; two sons Vernon Bedell and Henry Bedell, Jr.; and two daughters Vicky Bedell and Debra Nichols.

Services will be held at the Bay Mills Cultural Center on the Bay Mills Community College West Campus, 1797 S. Iroquois Row, Brimley, Michigan. Visitation will be Monday, November 19, 2012 from 4-7 p.m. with Traditional Pipe Ceremony at 7 p.m. At 10 a.m. Tuesday, November 20, Traditional Services will be held followed by burial services at Mission Hill Cemetery.

Clark Bailey Newhouse Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Maxine Louise Hopper

Maxine Louise Hopper, 82, through the grace of God and her belief in salvation, went to be with her Lord on Friday, November 16, 2012. Maxine was currently residing at Golden Leaves Living Center in Newberry.

Maxine was born in Moran on January 14, 1930, the daughter of the late William D. and Alice (Schutte) McLeod. Shortly after her birth, the family moved to Strongs, where Maxine lived for nearly all of the next 72 years. Maxine moved to Sault Ste. Marie, MI in 2002, and just came to Newberry this past summer. Maxine attended school in Strongs, and then high school at Superior High School in Brimley. She married Oliver P. Hopper, also of Strongs, on her birthday in 1951. They raised 3 children and Maxine was a very devoted and involved, wife, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose life revolved around family. She was one of six McLeod children and Oliver was one of four brothers most all of whom lived in the Strongs area.

Maxine worked at a variety of jobs and occupations. Oliver and she built the Brenda Lee Motel in 1957 and operated this for the next 12 years. She also worked at area restaurants, the Paradise IGA for several years and was a very proficient fin clipper for many years at the Pendills Creek and Sullivan Creek National Fish Hatcheries. Maxine loved country music and made several trips to Nashville. She also loved to garden and was very proficient at knitting and crocheting.

Besides her parents, Maxine was preceded in death by her husband Oliver in 1997, her son Jess in 1984, and her daughter Brenda in 2009. Also preceding are her brothers Max, William, and Bradley, and her bother-in-law Fred.

Survivors include her son, David (Jackie) Hopper of McMillan; sister, Wanda (Lorne) LaPlaunt, of Gwinn; and her brother, Bruce (Connie) McLeod of Clarkston, Washington. Also surviving are grandchildren: David Jr. (Amanda) of Gulfport MS, Dawn Lindsey of Newberry, Shannon (Jeff) Purves, of Lapeer and Dwayne (Mary) Morningstar of Midland; and 9 great-grandchildren: Mia Hopper, Hunter, Dylan, and Madelyn Blackwell; Charlie and Jessica Lindsey; Trevor and Hunter Purves, and Leah Morningstar.

According to her wishes, Maxine was cremated. There will be no public service at this time, but a memorial service will be conducted at a later date.

Condolences can be expressed at www.beaulieufuneralhome.com.

Beaulieu Funeral Home in Newberry is assisting the family with their arrangements.